<p>remember that the final judge for how you will engage your future years of your practice is yourself. listen carefully but critically to the people around you, and make well guided decisions through your own experience vs. those around you. </p>
<p>the lifestyle of an architecture student is not for everyone. Only you can decide whether it is right for you or not. I would highly recommend attending a summer architecture program or try working at a firm. For me, I highly enjoy what I do, despite the fact that I pull countless all nighters in studio. as for future practice, we'll see about that later, but for now, I can't imagine myself doing anything else.</p>
<p>The thing that I've seen with those who have been in firms before and done the summer thing is that they're just as likely not to like it once the first semester starts. It was actually quite strange to see a lot of the people who had prior experience at summer programs be the most unhappy. I guess those summer programs did weed out people who quickly learned it's not for them...</p>
<p>and spending 80 hours without sleep on a project is half the fun!... if you truly love what you're doing...</p>
<p>Hmmmm...again...sort of a generalization archie. I know a woman who did the Harvard summer program thirty years ago. She has her own firm in San Francisco. She still loves the profession.</p>
<p>As for workng in firms, it's a double edged sword. There is more security but less challenge. You musn't stay in a firm too long if you want to open your own firm. Three years apprenticeship is plenty.</p>
<p>oh no, i meant it as a generalization... not that all people who have prior experience don't like it later on, but rather that having prior work experience, and enjoying that experience, doesn't guarentee that you'll like school.</p>
<p>..and i talk from the very little experience i have. It sounds like opening your own firm is more of a gamble, meaning bigger rewards or losses...</p>
<p>again another generalization, but on the contrary, i'd say that those who have attended summer programs seem to be enthusiastic about what they're getting into. at least at my school, those who have attended a previous summer college programs know what they are getting themselves into and are there because they enjoy it. they also seem to have a little more foundation in design because of the previous experience, but plenty of students with no summer college experience also do well in college.</p>